THREE teenagers pushed their way into a house looking for cash and attacked a man with a hammer.

Burnley Crown Court heard Carl Uttley, known as the Birdman, suffered a collapsed lung, smashed rib and other injuries after the trio struck at his home in Parkinson Street, Burnley, in January.

Mr Uttley was beaten in a "team effort" as his partner was upstairs in their home, the jury was told.

His three assailants, a 14-year-old, 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admit aggravated burglary and unlawful wounding.

Their cases were adjourned until May15 for sentence by Judge Barbara Watson at Preston Crown Court.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Mr Uttley had earlier been threatened by a group of youths and had fallen asleep in the living room of his home. He heard noises at around 2am but thought it was the cat. He unlocked the door and was confronted by three youths, two armed with hammers. All three barged into the property and Mr Uttley was struck.

He was pushed back into an armchair and tried to protect himself as his birds, including parrots which he kept at the property, made noises and cages were knocked over.

Mr Lamberty said the victim got up but was put into another chair and was being hit all the time. He felt a particularly heavy and painful blow but was able to wrestle the hammer away from his attacker and kick and swing out at him. He was shouting for the youths to get out and calling out for the police.

The youths fled and when officers arrived, a hammer and a bob hat were found. The gang was spotted by Martin Quigley, who was coming home from the pub and he chased after the trio. Mr Quigley heard some whistling and thought the youths were using a "call sign" to one another.

Mr Lamberty said that throughout the attack Mr Uttley's partner had been upstairs in their home and she made as much noise as she could to let the trio know she was there. After the assault, she came down, found Mr Uttley bleeding and alerted the police and ambulance.

Mr Uttley had suffered a number of injuries, including a collapsed lung and had to have a chest drain inserted.

All three defendants blamed each other at interview.